Complaints about Psychic Readings Live

Those following me on twitter may know I have submitted complaints regarding Psychic Reading Live regarding it’s contravention of the BAI Code (See page 22).

My complaints were submitted online to TV3 directly as per the procedures in place. I complained regarding specific contraventions on particular nights where presenters presented information as fact and not opinion and where information on health was given to the callers – both of which is in contravention of the code.

TV3 replied to my complaint today.

Dear Ms. Byrne,

Thank you for your complaint dated 22 June 2012.

Psychic Readings Live meets all regulatory requirements for a service of this nature, from both the broadcasting and telecommunications regulators. The broadcast is clearly identified as and Entertainment Service at all times and such notification is in accordance with BAI regulation.

As this is the first time a service of this nature has been broadcast in the Republic of Ireland we note that there may have been a few teething problems with the broadcast for the first few nights. These issues have now been addressed.

TV3 has taken steps to ensure that viewers are aware of the nature of the service. The information strap clearly sets out the cost per minute and other relevant information relating to the service, including the web address where viewers can read the terms and conditions relating to the broadcast. The service is for 18+ only and is broadcast late at night so it is evidently for an adult only audience.

Through the information provided during the broadcast and the call as well as on the website, we are making sure that viewers make an informed choice about whether to partake of the service.

Kind regards

TV3 Complaints

The complaints I lodged with TV3 were regarding specific issues during broadcast and contraventions by presenters on 22 June and also July 1.

The response from TV3 does not address the specific complaints about opinions being offered as fact and abuse of vulnerable people and also health advice being offered which is contravention of the code. As you can see this response does not address the specific complaints made.

In my opinion (!) I don’t believe all the strapline and website warnings in the world matter one bit when someone is promising to change someone’s luck or future or telling someone as fact what they should do about an important issue in their life. All on the turn of a card or in fact complete lies being told, making €2.44 per minute and exploiting vulnerable people for the purposes of entertainment.

The complaint process is flawed if the precise moments and incidents one complains about during broadcasts are not being addressed by the broadcaster in their response.

Update

I received a reply to my second complaint today.

Dear Ms Byrne,

Thank you again for your complaint.

Psychic Readings Live meets all regulatory requirements for a service of this nature, from both the broadcasting and telecommunications regulators. The broadcast is clearly identified as an Entertainment Service at all times and this is entirely in line with BAI requirements.

In the broadcast to which you refer, the psychic was writing people’s names on a candle and burning it during the full moon to give them money “energy”. He did not state in no uncertain terms that he would make people rich or claim to be predicting the future.

TV3 has taken steps to ensure that viewers are aware of the nature of the service. The information strap clearly sets out the cost per minute and other relevant information relating to the service, including the web address where viewers can read the terms and conditions relating to the broadcast. The service is for 18+ only and is broadcast late at night so it is evidently for an adult only audience. Any callers who seem to be particularly distressed or vulnerable are provided with the helpline numbers of organisations that may be in a position to assist them after the on-air call.

Kind regards,
TV3 Complaints

In very certain terms the presenter on the night stated that he could ‘make you rich’. I am now referring this complaint to the BAI.